The Social Security Administration is listening, and our advocates’ and community partners’ feedback is important to us. Some of the feedback that we are hearing from you includes:
“Nobody has fax machines anymore.”
“There’s a reason it’s called snail mail. Regular mail takes too long.”
“I shouldn’t have to drive to an office and pay for parking to turn in paperwork that I should be able to email or submit online.”
“There has to be a better way!”
SSA is transforming the way it conducts business. Employees can now ask customers to electronically submit some forms, documents and evidence needed to process disability applications and other transactions. That means faster and more efficient service to Veterans and their families.
For years, Social Security has offered convenient online services at www.SSA.gov. Many people prefer to conduct business with SSA from the comfort of their computer or mobile device. In response to this demand, Social Security is expanding its electronic options.
SSA recently released the eSignature/Upload Documents initiative nationwide. This end-to-end secure service allows customers to electronically submit some frequently used forms, such as appeal requests (SSA-501 and SSA-561) and waiver of overpayment recovery (SSA-632). Customers can also submit evidence, including the VA Disability Rating Verification, medical and school records, bank statements, tax forms and many more.
Social Security employees initiate the request by sending an email to customers with the required form. In turn, customers review the request, electronically complete, then sign the form (if a signature is required) and submit directly to SSA.
SSA receives 35 million pieces of mail each year, and approximately 14 million are forms sent back because it requires a signature. With this new application, employees can request that 50 different forms and nearly 80 different types of evidence be electronically submitted. These would otherwise have to be mailed, faxed or dropped off at a local office.
eSignature/Upload Documents has many advantages
Eliminates the cost and inconvenience of “snail mail” and in-person visits to submit requested information.
Minimizes the risk that sensitive documents and personal information will be lost or misplaced.
Securely transmits files for faster, more efficient processing.
Offers flexibility in how customers conduct their business.
SSA will continue to accept forms, documents and evidence that are faxed, mailed or dropped off at an office. However, it would like for its customers to enjoy more options with the new electronic online services.
How eSignature/Upload Documents Works
Step 1: The employee asks the customer to allow consent for Social Security to send an email that contains an access link and instructions for using Upload Documents.
Step 2: With customer consent, Social Security emails the customer the request for forms, documents and other evidence needed to process their pending claim or action.
Step 3: The customer reviews the electronic request, completes requested forms, electronically signs them (when a signature is required), and uploads the forms and other information.
Step 4: Social Security sends a follow-up email 10 days after the initial request, if form or evidence is not received. The customer has 30 days to electronically submit requested information.
Step 5: The requesting employee receives an alert when a customer submits the request, then the employee completes the remaining necessary actions.
For more information about Upload Documents, review Social Security’s Frequently Asked Questions.
Future Enhancements
In addition to the eSignature/Upload Documents initiative, SSA is converting many of its frequently used forms to convenient, fillable electronic versions. In April 2024, for example, it “webified” the SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration). This is the medical release that is mandatory for all disability applications. The electronic SSA-827 mirrors the paper version without the need for a wet signature or verbal signature over the phone.
SSA employees can email a link with the electronic SSA-827 to customers who can choose to complete, electronically sign and submit the form rather than having to print, sign and mail or hand deliver it to a local office. That means faster disability processing times and fewer claims denied because of a missing medical release.
Social Security continues to make changes and improvements to provide faster and more efficient service to our customers, including Veterans and their families.